title: Teratogenicity and antiepileptic drugs: potential mechanisms.
abstract: Congenital malformations often the most concerning risk of taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy for both the patient and the physician. This chapter reviews aspects of the association between AEDs and congenital malformations, including a historical perspective, type and patterns of congenital malformations, possible confounding factors, and potential mechanisms of teratogenicity. The role of folic acid in preventing birth defects in the general population and in setting of taking AEDs is also presented. One of the most serious congenital malformations, spina bifida (SB), and its association with intrauterine valproate exposure, is discussed in depth.
authors.affiliation: North Pacific Epilepsy Research, Portland, Oregon 97210, USA.
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Yerby
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D013723:Teratogens
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D013723:Teratogens